System and method for enhancing digital content

ABSTRACT

A computer-readable medium including computer-executable code for enhancing an electronic document with one link and being served via a network responsively to a request received via the network and correspondent to an electronic document. The chat application may be for use with a mobile device and be less computing resource intensive. Certain embodiments of the present invention may not require a code or applets to be inserted to provide chat functionality. Advantageously, only a link may need to be inserted, for example. This may provide particularly well suited for use with websites where traditional chat code or applets may not be inserted.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/611,557, entitled “System and Method for Enhancing Digital Content,”filed Nov. 3, 2009; which claims benefits of priority to U.S. Prov.Patent Nos. 61/198,148, entitled “System and Method for Attaching a RealTime Virtual Presence”, filed Nov. 3, 2008; and 61/222,756, entitled:“System and Method for Enhancing Digital Content”, filed Jul. 2, 2009;wherein all of the aforementioned priority applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to digital content delivery andcomputerized chat systems and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computerized chat services (referred to herein as “chat services”)provide for real-time or substantially real-time communications betweena plurality of users via computing devices. Chat services generallyprovide a relatively anonymous, non-threatening way for parties, such asprospective agents, brokers, buyers and/or sellers, to communicate. A“chat” application, as used herein, generally refers to computing deviceexecutable code being tangibly embodied on a computing device—readablemedia, such as a memory, which provides for real-time or substantiallyreal-time communications between a plurality of registrants viacomputing devices (i.e., chat services). Once a chat has been initiated,a chat user can typically communicate text to another communicating chatuser by entering it into their computing device, such as by typing on akeyboard. The entered text will typically appear on the other chatuser's computing device display.

While the present invention is not limited to electronic commercechannels, it is believed sell-through via electronic commerce channels,e.g., websites, can be enhanced using chat services. Indeed, some haveindicated that self-through on web sites may be increased by 500% ifchat services are offered via product web pages. It is thus believedthat chat services can fill a necessary void in online sales, allowingbuyers to communicate substantially anonymously, such as withprospective agents, brokers or sellers, without fear of sales pressure.

Further, electronic commerce channels for amateur and/or sellers havingrelatively limited computing and/or financial resources are expanding.For example, online classifieds, such as those commercially availablevia www.ebay.com and www.craigslist.com are generally finding greateracceptance and use among sellers and prospective buyers. Other expandingelectronic commerce markets may include the automobile and real estatemarkets, and service provider markets, such as for insurance services,for example.

Due to the nature of e-commerce channels (e.g., 24/7/365 availability)offering conventional chat services for use with e-commerce channels maytypically require one or more seller persons to continuously monitor forchat requests by interacting with a personal computer. Amateur and/orsellers having relatively limited computing and/or financial resourcesmay typically not be able/willing to provide such coverage. Further,conventional chat services may typically require chat application code,such as JAVA code corresponding to the chat application, to be insertedinto a web page. Where a listing web page is operated by a third partythat does not allow for chat application code insertion, conventionalchat applications may not be suitable for use. Conventional chatservices may thus be relatively ill-suited for certain uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a computer programproduct being embodied in a computer-readable medium and includingcomputer-executable code for enhancing an electronic document includingat least one link and being served via a network responsively to arequest received via the network and correspondent to the electronicdocument may be provided.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor receiving a chat request via the network corresponding to activationof the at least one link included in the electronic document.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor automatically identifying an identifier responsively to the receivedchat request.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor automatically identifying at least one preference associated withthe identified identifier.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor automatically sending an SMS message including a mobile chat linkindicative of the received chat request in a first mode, wherein thefirst mode corresponds to the at least one identified preferenceindicating an SMS messaging preference.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor automatically sending an e-mail message including a personalcomputer chat link indicative of the received chat request in a secondmode, wherein the second mode corresponds to the at least one identifiedpreference indicating an e-mail messaging preference.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor automatically sending both. SMS and e-mail messages, the SMS messageincluding the mobile chat link and the e-mail message including thepersonal computer chat link, each of the mobile chat and personalcomputer chat links being indicative of the received chat request, in athird mode, wherein the third mode corresponds to the at least oneidentified preference indicating both SMS and e-mail messagingpreferences.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor selectively automatically causing a mobile mode of a chatapplication corresponding to the received chat request to beinstantiated responsively to receiving a request via the networkcorrespondent to activation of the mobile mode link.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor selectively automatically causing a personal computer mode of thechat application corresponding to the received chat request to beinstantiated responsively to receiving a request via the networkcorrespondent to activation of the personal computer mode link.

The mobile mode instantiation of the chat application may be adapted foruse with a mobile device and be less computing resource intensive thanthe personal computer mode instantiation of the chat application, whichmay be adapted for use with a personal computer.

The electronic document may include a plurality of content portions, andthe link may correspond to at least one of the content portions.

The computer program product may further include code for identifying anidentifier associated with the at least one of the content portions ofthe electronic document responsively to the correspondent request for orserving of the electronic document.

The computer program product may further include code for serving theidentified identifier contemporaneously with the electronic document,wherein the served identifier forms at least a part of the at least onelink.

The instantiated chat application may be displayed with the electronicdocument such that the chat application visually corresponds with the atleast one content portion of the served electronic document.

The computer program product may further include code for causing theserved electronic document to be framed responsively to receiving therequest correspondent to activation of the mobile chat mode or personalcomputer mode link.

The electronic document may be displayed in a first window, and the chatapplication be instantiated in a second window. The electronic documentmay be displayed in a same window in which the chat application isinstantiated.

The computer program product may further include code for selectivelyupdating the instantiated chat application irrespective of theelectronic document.

The chat request may include a uniform resource locator having anidentifier appended thereto.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may not require a code orapplets to be inserted into or otherwise incorporated into a website toprovide chat functionality. Advantageously, only a link may need to beinserted, for example. This may provide particularly well suited for usewith websites where traditional chat code or applets may not beinserted.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a computer programproduct being tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium andincluding computer-executable code for enhancing an electronic documentincluding at least one advertisement portion and at least one otheradvertising or content portion may be provided. The at least oneadvertisement portion may be automatically selected for dynamicincorporation into the at least one electronic document when served viaa network substantially contemporaneously with the electronic documentresponsively to a request received via the network from a user'scomputing device and being correspondent to the electronic document.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor identifying an identifier associated with the at least oneadvertisement portion of the electronic document responsively to thecorrespondent request for or serving of the electronic document.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor serving the identified identifier contemporaneously with theelectronic document and separate from the advertisement portion, whereinthe served identifier forms at least a part of a link incorporated withthe electronic document when the served electronic document isdisplayed.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor causing a chat application to be instantiated responsively to anddependently upon receiving a second request via the network andcorresponding to the served electronic document incorporated link.

The instantiated chat application is displayed via the user's computingdevice without a client chat application being executed by the user'scomputing device.

The instantiated chat application may be displayed with the electronicdocument such that the chat application is superimposed withsubstantially only the at least one advertisement portion of the servedelectronic document.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor causing the served electronic document to be framed responsively toreceiving the second request.

The electronic document may be displayed in a first window, and the chatapplication may be instantiated in a second window.

The electronic document may be displayed in a same window in which thechat application is instantiated.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor selectively updating the chat application irrespective of theelectronic document.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor updating the identifier associated at least one of the contentportions of the electronic document irrespective of at least one othercontent portion of the electronic document.

The second request may include a uniform resource locator having theidentifier appended thereto. The identifier includes a GUID.

The link and the second request may include a same alphabetic, numericor alphanumeric string appended to a uniform resource locator.

The instantiated chat application may be displayed separate from theelectronic document.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor sending a second link responsively to and dependently upon receivinga second request via the network and corresponding to the servedelectronic document incorporated link.

The computer program product computer-executable code may include codefor sending a plurality of second links responsively to and dependentlyupon receiving the second request via the network and corresponding tothe served electronic document incorporated link.

Each of the second links may correspond to a different type of computingdevice having an associated processing capability.

A type of chat application instantiated dependently upon the secondrequest may correspond to which of the second links was activated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Understanding of the present invention will be facilitated byconsideration of the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts, andin which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A AND 2B illustrates link formats according to embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates an electronic document according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates a superimposed link and content according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C illustrates an electronic document according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4D illustrates a superimposed link and content according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6C illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A illustrates an electronic document and chat instantiationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B illustrates an electronic document and chat instantiationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8D illustrates a superimposed link and content and chatinstantiation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8D illustrates an electronic document and chat instantiationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a processaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagrammatic representation of a systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood the figures and descriptions of the presentinvention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevantfor understanding the present invention, while eliminating, for purposesof clarity, many other elements found in typical computing, networkingand chat applications, systems and methods. Because such elements arewell known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a betterunderstanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements isnot provided herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 10 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Process 10 generally includes registering a user or customerat block 12 and associating one or more chat service links with theregistered customer at block 14. Such a customer or user will bereferred to herein as a “link registrant” or “registrant” fornon-limiting purposes of explanation. Processing at block 12 may takethe form of a user registration process conventionally utilized by usersof computing devices in association with Internet websites, for example.Processing at block 14 many include storing information items associatedwith registrants in one or more databases, for example.

By way of non-limiting explanation, “computing device”, as used herein,refers to a general purpose computing device that includes a processor.A processor generally includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU), such asa microprocessor. A CPU generally includes an arithmetic logic unit(ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations, and a controlunit, which extracts instructions (e.g., code) from a computer readablemedium, such as a memory, and decodes and executes them, calling on theALU when necessary. “Memory”, as used herein, generally refers to one ormore devices or media capable of storing data, such as in the form ofchips or drives. For example, memory may take the form of one or morerandom-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmableread-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips,by way of further non-limiting example only. Memory may be internal orexternal to an integrated unit including the processor. Memory may takethe form of magnetic or optical—technology based storage media. Memorymay be internal or external to a computing device. Memory may store acomputer program, e.g., code or a sequence of instructions beingoperable by the processor. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, one or more of the elements provided may take the form ofcode being executed using one or more computing devices, such as in theform of computer device executable programs or applications being storedin memory. There are various types of computing devices, having varyingprocessing and memory capabilities, such as: personal computers (likethose that are commercially available from Dell and Apple Corp.), andpersonal digital assistants and smart phones (like those that arecommercially available from Apple Corp. and Research in Motion), by wayof non-limiting example only.

“Website”, as used herein, generally refers to a collection of one ormore electronic documents (e.g., webpages) that are available via acomputer network, such as the global interconnection of computers andcomputer networks commonly referred to as the Internet. By way ofnon-limiting example, a website may be accessed at a given address onthe World Wide Web (i.e., “www.URL.TLD”), and include a home page, whichis the first webpage visitors typically see when they enter the site. Awebsite may also contain additional webpages. Webpages may be fixed,and/or dynamically generated in response to website visitor webpagerequests. By way of further non-limiting example only, the World WideWeb is a system of Internet servers that support HTML (Hypertext MarkupLanguage), such that a website visitor can jump from one webpage toanother webpage simply by clicking on references to other webpages, suchas hot spots or hot links (referred to herein as “links”). Web browsingapplications, such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Google's Chrome,are available applications used to access websites on the World WideWeb. Other computer network types and/or protocols and/or mark uplanguages and/or applications may be used. Webpages are typically servedby servers.

A “server”, as used herein, is generally communicatively coupled to anetwork, and manages network resources. A server may refer to a discretecomputing device, or may refer to an application that is managingresources rather than an entire computing device. “Network”, as usedherein, generally refers to a group of two or more computing devicescommunicatively connected to one-another. “Internet”, as used herein,generally refers to the global interconnection of computing devices, andcomputing device networks, commonly referred to as such.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 20 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. According to certain embodiments of the present invention,process 20 is suitable for use at block 12 for registering a registrant.Process 20 may be utilized in combination with a database, such as thedatabase referenced with regard to FIG. 1A.

Process 20 generally includes storing registrant contact information atblock 21. Information stored at block 21 may include name, address,e-mail address, phone number and/or business type, all by way ofnon-limiting example.

Process 20 generally includes storing registrant preference informationat block 23. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, the preferenceinformation stored at block 23 is reflective of the registrant'spreferences and contact information regarding short messaging service(SMS) messages. Information stored at block 23 may include an indicationof whether the registrant wishes to receive SMS notifications of chatrequests and SMS contact information for the registrant, both by way ofnon-limiting example. Such SMS contact information may be authenticatedby sending an SMS message to the entered SMS contact address, andrequiring the registrant to return and/or reply to the message.

Process 20 generally includes storing registrant preference informationat block 25. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, the preferenceinformation stored at block 25 is reflective of the registrant'spreferences and contact information regarding e-mail messaging.Information stored at block 25 may include an indication of whether theuser wishes to receive e-mail notifications of chat requests and e-mailcontact information for the registrant, both by way of non-limitingexample. Such email contact information may be authenticated by sendingan email message to the entered e-mail contact address, and requiringthe registrant to return and/or reply to the message.

Process 20 generally includes storing registrant information at block27. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, information stored atblock 27 is reflective of the registrant's billing information.Information stored at block 27 may include credit card or other paymentinformation, by way of non-limiting example.

Process 20 generally includes storing registrant information at block29. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, information stored atblock 29 may be reflective of business, product or other registrantinformation, for example.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, information stored viaprocess 20 may be stored in one or more databases, for example. Othertypes of information may be stored in addition to or lieu of those typesdiscussed herein.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, there are shown link formats according toembodiments of the present invention. According to certain embodimentsof the present invention, a link format utilized may take the form of auniform resource locator (URL) link. Utilized links may include a baselink portion. An exemplary base link portion may take the form ofHTTP://[URL.TLD]/[IDENTIFIER] or HTTP://CHAT.[URL.TLD]/[IDENTIFIER], byway of non-limiting example, where URL.TLD takes the form of aconventional Internet uniform resource locator and top level domainname, and IDENTIFIER takes the form of any applicable protocol supportedidentification, such as an alphabetic, alphanumeric, symbolic or numericidentifier associated with the link registrant, for example. Anexemplary URL.TLD may take the form of LIVECHIME.COM, for example. Anexemplary IDENTIFIER may take the form of ABC123, for example. Anexemplary base link portion may take the form ofHTTP://LIVECHIME.COM/ABC123 or HTTP://CHAT.LIVECHIME.COM/ABC123, forexample. Such base link portions may be used by themselves as links, orbe supplemented with one or more extension portions.

Referring still to FIG. 2A, a link format utilized may additionallyinclude one or more extension portions. In the illustrated case of FIG.2A, extension(s) utilized may include one or more additionalidentifiers, such as a user or company identifier, a partner identifier,and/or a campaign identifier. Other extensions utilized may reflectother information, such as tracking information and/or a registrantreference, for example. In certain embodiments of the present invention,one or more extension portions may be contiguously appended to the baselink portion. By way of non-limiting example, utilized links may takethe form of http://livechime.com/ABC123/IDENTIFIER1 orhttp://livechime.com/ABC123/IDENTIFIER1/IDENTIFIER2.

Referring still to FIGS. 1A and 2A, in certain embodiments of thepresent invention, links may be associated with registrants at block 14(FIG. 1) by storing the link, or portions thereof, in one or moredatabases so as to be associated with corresponding registrants, forexample.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, links which areassociated with registrants may be provided for use by prospective chatrequesters, or requesters for non-limiting purposes of explanation. Forexample, links may be incorporated in webpages or e-mails. In certainembodiments of the present invention, registrant associated links may beincorporated in electronic classified advertisements, such as those akinto eBay or Craigslist listings, for example. Additionally, or in lieuthereof, registrant associated links may be further associated withcontent that is delivered to a webpage viewer, for example. In certainembodiments of the present invention, registrant associated links may beassociated with particular portions of a webpage, such as individuallistings on an auction or electronic-classified page, as opposed to theentire page.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, there is shown an electronic document 40according to an embodiment of the present invention. In certainembodiments of the present invention, document 40 may take the form of aweb page. Document 40 may be static and/or dynamically generated. Incertain embodiments of the present invention, document 40 may includeone or more web frames or windows. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, document 40 may be in a web frame or window. In theillustrated embodiment, document 40 includes content 41A, 41B, 41C andlinks 42A, 42B, 42C. In certain embodiments of the present invention,links 42A, 42B, 42C may correspond to the links discussed regarding FIG.2A.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 30 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In certain embodiments of the present invention, links may beassociated with an electronic document, such as a webpage or content forinclusion in a webpage, like graphic component(s), textual component(s)and/or video component(s), for example, at block 31. An identifier ofcertain content may be associated with a link (e.g., FIG. 2) at block31, such as by being associated in a database, for example.

At block 32, a request for an electronic document and hence content isdetected, such as via a received link request, for example. The requestmay take the form of a webpage request for example. Alternatively, therequest may correspond to a content item or component for inclusion in awebpage. Such a webpage may take the form of a webpage advertisement,for example. Such a component may take the form of an advertisementcomponent for inclusion in a webpage.

At block 33, a server, such as that receiving a request at block 32, mayserve the requested document and hence content, such as an electronicdocument or portion thereof, like a webpage, or a component for awebpage. At block 34, the request may be logged, such as in a database.

At block 35, it may be determined whether a valid link is associatedwith the request detected at block 32 (e.g., associated at block 31). Incertain embodiments of the present invention, processing at block 35 mayinclude comparing a request received at block 32 to content that wasassociated with links at block 31. If such a comparison indicates therequested content was not associated with a link, then a message may beserved at block 36. In certain embodiments of the present invention,such as message may indicate no valid link is then associated with therequested content. If such a comparison indicates the requested contentwas associated with a link, then the associated link may be recoveredand served at block 37 to a same entity or address as was served theassociated content at block 33.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the content served atblock 33 is received at a prospective chat requester's computing deviceat block 38. In certain embodiments of the present invention, therequester computing device may have originated the request received atblock 32. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the linkserved at block 37 is received at a requester computing device at block38. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the requestercomputing device may have originated the request received at block 32.In certain embodiments of the present invention, the message served atblock 36 may be received at a requester computing device. In certainembodiments of the present invention, the requester computing device mayhave originated the request received at block 32. In certain embodimentsof the present invention, the content and link received at block 38 by arequester computing device may be presented thereby, such as in a webbrowser application. The content and link received at block 38 may bepresented at block 39 in a superimposed fashion, such as in a webbrowser application.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 30′ according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In certain embodiments of the present invention,links may be associated with an electronic document, such as a webpageor content for inclusion in a webpage, like graphic component(s),textual component(s) and/or video component(s), for example, at block31′. An identifier of certain content may be associated with a link(e.g., FIG. 2) at block 31′, such as by being associated in a database,for example.

At block 32′, a request for an electronic document and hence content isdetected, such as via a received link request, for example. The requestmay take the form of a webpage request for example. Alternatively, therequest may correspond to a content item or component for inclusion in awebpage. Such a webpage may take the form of a webpage advertisement,for example. Such a component may take the form of an advertisementcomponent for inclusion in a webpage.

At block 33′, a server, such as that receiving the request at block 32,may serve the requested document and hence content, such as anelectronic document or portion thereof, like a webpage, or a componentfor a webpage. Processing at block 33′ may include serving requestedcontent, such as an image file, and an associated link, e.g., URL.Processing at blocks 38 and 39 is analogous to that described withregard to FIG. 3A.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, there is shown an electronic document 40according to an embodiment of the present invention. In certainembodiments of the present invention, document 40 may take the form of aweb page. In certain embodiments of the present invention, document 40may include one or more web frames or windows. In certain embodiments ofthe present invention, document 40 may be in a web frame or window. Inthe illustrated embodiment, document 40 includes content 41. Document 40may be static and/or dynamically generated. In the illustratedembodiment, document 40 also includes a link 42. In the illustratedembodiment, link 42 is superimposed (e.g., spatially coincident with)substantially only with an element of content 41. Referring now to FIG.4B, there is shown a non-limiting example of the superimposition ofcontent element 41 and a link 42 demonstrated in FIG. 4A. While theembodiments of FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a link 42 and content element41 having an at least substantially congruous size and shape, either maydiffer from that of the other. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, content 41 and link 42 may take the form of an embedded image(e.g., <img> tagged item) wrapped by an anchor tag, e.g., an <a> tag.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, there is shown an electronic document 40according to an embodiment of the present invention. In certainembodiments of the present invention, document 40 may take the form of aweb page. In certain embodiments of the present invention, document 40may include one or more web frames or windows. In certain embodiments ofthe present invention, document 40 may be in a web frame or window. Inthe illustrated embodiment, document 40 includes content 41. Document 40may be static and/or dynamically generated. In the illustratedembodiment, document 40 also includes a link 42. In the illustratedembodiment, link 42 is superimposed substantially only with a portion of(e.g., incorporated within the space of) an element of content 41.Referring now to FIG. 4D, there is shown a non-limiting example of thesuperimposition of content element 41 and a link 42 demonstrated in FIG.4C. The embodiments of FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate a link 42 and contentelement 41 having different shapes and sizes from one another. Again,anchor tagging may be used.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, link activation at aregistrant's computing device may selectively trigger a chat initiationwith a registrant associated with the activated link. A link may beactivated by a requester selecting it, rolling a pointer over it, orupon the launching, loading or displaying of an electronic document thatincludes it, for example.

As will be understood by those possessing an ordinary skill in thepertinent arts, one or more components of an electronic document, e.g.,content 41, may correspond to electronic document “real-estate”. Animage to be placed in this real-estate, e.g., as content 41, may bepulled from a given storage location when the electronic document isrequested, for example. Additionally, a link associated with thecontent, e.g., 42, may be analogously pulled. Alternatively, theelectronic document may itself include code that pulls such an imagefile and/or link, e.g., URL.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 50 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In the illustrated embodiment, process 50 includes detectinga link activation at block 51. Processing at block 51 may includedetecting a requester activation of a link within a web browsing orother computing device application, such as a link discussed inconnection with FIG. 2A. Processing at block 51 may include detecting arequester activation of a link within a browsing or other computingdevice application, such as a link served at block 37 (FIG. 3).Processing at block 51 may include detecting a requester activation of alink within a browsing or other computing device application, such as alink 42 discussed in connection with FIGS. 4A-4D. At block 52, amessage, such as an electronic document (e.g., web page or other page)or content request may be sent by the requester's computing device,responsively to the link activation detection at block 51.

Referring still to FIG. 5, at block 53 a request corresponding to a linkis received. The request received at block 53 may correspond to therequest sent at block 52. At block 54, it is determined whether a validregistrant is associated with the request received at block 53.Processing at block 54 may include parsing the request received at block53. Processing at block 54 may include comparing portion(s) of therequest received at block 53 to information corresponding to registrant,such as one or more pieces of information entered or stored usingprocess 20 (FIG. 15). Processing at block 54 may include determiningwhether a link which was activated is active or inactive. Active linksmay be associated with chat requests that should be allowed to matureinto chat sessions, while inactive links may be associated with chatrequests that should be denied or rejected. Data flags may be stored inone or more databases to indicate whether an activated link is active orinactive. Link requests and comparison results may be logged at block56, such as in a database, for example.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, chat request logs mayindicate referring web pages or websites from which the received andlogged chat requests originate. Such a feature may enable registrants totrack or audit how different links, and hence associated advertisements,are performing. For example, a real estate agent may place a listing onthree different websites. A same chat link corresponding to the listingmay be used in all three listings. Logged chat requests may provide sucha real estate agent to readily ascertain how different ones of thelistings are performing, relative to one-another, by comparing how manychat requests are originating from each of the web pages, for example.In such a case, cross-website advertisement performance may be morereadily available than is conventionally possible, for example.

By way of further, non-limiting example, Table-1 illustrates a chatrequest log that may be presented in an interactive electronic document,e.g., a web page, according to an embodiment of the present invention.Each row of the illustrated Table-1 is indicative of and associated witha specific chat request. Each row includes an indicator of whether thechat was answered or missed/declines; the date and time of the request,the subject of the request, and an indication of the chat requester,such as a name or e-mail address. Data indicative of that included inTable-1 may be mined from and automatically stored responsively to chatrequests in a database, which may be automatically queried to generateTable-1 for a registrant, for example.

TABLE 1 Answered/ Missed Date/Time Subject From ✓ YYYY/MM/DD Item 1Requester 1 HH:MM x YYYY/MM/DD Item 2 Requester 2 HH:MM ✓ YYYY/MM/DDItem 1 Requester 3 HH:MM

By way of further, non-limiting example, Table-2 illustrates a chatrequest log that may be presented in an interactive electronic document,e.g., a web page, according to an embodiment of the present invention.Each row of the illustrated Table-2 is indicative of a differentlink/link location that is associated with a registrant. Each rowincludes an indicator of whether chat requests associated with the linkare being handled in accordance with global or custom preferences; anindicator of whether action is to be taken when chat requests associatedwith the link are received; what type of chat request notifications areassociated with the link; indications of what electronic document(s)(e.g., website) the link is being used on or with; keywords the linkregistrant has chosen to indicate the link; and, the number of chatrequests, e.g., hits, associated with the link that have been received.Table-2 additionally includes edit and delete items, which can be usedto change the preferences or other link settings or delete the link,respectively. Data indicative of that included in Table-2 may be minedfrom and automatically stored responsively to chat requests in adatabase, which may be automatically queried to generate Table-2 for aregistrant, for example.

TABLE 2 Custom Setting Action Notification Web Site Keywords Hits xActive email Auction site 1 Item 1 1 <edit> <del> x Active SMSClassifieds Item 1 1 <edit> <del> Site 1 x Active SMS/email ClassifiedsItem 2 1 <edit> <del> Site 2

In certain embodiments of the present invention, multiple rows that areindicative of and associated with a common link may be provided inTable-2. In such a case, each of the common link associated rows may beassociated with a different electronic document (e.g., website), whichreferred the indicated hits. Again, data indicative of that included insuch a Table-2 may be mined from and automatically stored responsivelyto chat requests in a database, which may be automatically queried togenerate Table-2 for a registrant, for example.

By way of further, non-limiting example, Table-3 illustrates a chatrequest log that may be presented in an interactive electronic document,e.g., a web page, according to an embodiment of the present invention.Each row of the illustrated Table-3 is indicative of a differentlink/link location that is associated with a registrant. Each rowincludes an indicator of the date and time of a given record; the typeof offer(s) with each record, namely, for example, what message, formatand/or information is being used to generate requests for the chats;each users name; each users email address; the type of subscriptionassociated with each user; the date and time of the last login for thatgiven record; the number of requests for chat associated with the givenoffer for the given user; and the number of chats resulting from theforegoing. Table-3 additionally includes edit and delete items that canbe used to change the preferences or other link settings or delete thelink, respectively. Table-3 additionally includes options allowing theaddition of new records, refreshing records and features permittingdrilling down into the information contained within certain recordswithin each row item. For example, there are buttons in the row justunderneath the “Date,” “Offer,” and other items, such as the buttons inthe “Offer” column (“_” in which search items may be inserted and the ¥button which when activated instantiates further screens of information)that allow an administrator and/or registrant to review a specifiedoffer “x,” its content, format and/or other information that is desirousof being tracked and/or audited. Registrants, users and/oradministrators may therefore be able to readily ascertain which “Offers”are performing best. Data indicative of that included in Table-3 may bemined from and automatically stored responsively to chat requests in adatabase, which may be automatically queried to generate Table-3 for aregistrant, for example.

TABLE 3 +Add new record Refresh ≦<1 2 3 4 5 8 7 9 10 . . .>≧ User Page _of xx Go Page Size _ Change Item 1 of 25 of 999 Date Offer Name EmailType Last Login Requests Chats  ¥   ¥      ¥   ¥ YYYY/MM/DD x user1user1 email Trial YYYY/MM/DD 100 30 Edit/ HH:MM HH:MM Delete YYYY/MM/DDy user2 user2 email Pro YYYY/MM/DD 275 125 Edit/ HH:MM HH:MM DeleteYYYY/MM/DD z user3 user3 email Level YYYY/MM/DD 50 15 Edit/ HH:MM NHH:MM Delete

In certain embodiments of the present invention, multiple rows that areindicative of and associated with a common link may be provided inTable-3. In such a case, each of the common link associated rows may beassociated with a different electronic document (e.g., website), whichreferred the indicated hits. Again, data indicative of that included insuch a Table-3 may be mined from and automatically stored responsivelyto chat requests in a database, which may be automatically queried togenerate Table-3 for a registrant, for example.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, certain listings mayexpire. For example, advertisement listings on electronics classifiedswebsites may automatically expire after a given amount of time, e.g.,30, 60 or 90 days after listing. Certain embodiments of the presentinvention may be supplemented with an automatic relisting feature. Forexample, code that is operated at a server and automates re-listing ofan advertisement with the included link may be provided to provide forlink provision continuity. In such case, advertisement tracking may beautomatically enhanced in duration as well.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, an image used inassociation with a link as discussed herein may be used to count thenumber of times the image has been loaded, such as by a web browserapplication. For example, a program may be executed at a server eachtime the image file is requested. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, this information may be used in conjunction with thatillustrated in Tables 1 and 2 to indicate a how effective the image andlink are at generating actual chat requests, since the number of timesan opportunity for a chat has been presented to potential requesters isknown, and the number of actual that requests received is also known.This may further assist registrants to judge the relative effectivenessof different web-pages as chat request sources for example. In certainembodiments of the present invention, Table-2 may be appended to includean indication in each row indicative of this number of times an imagehas been requested, and hence the number of times the indicated chatlink has been presented for use to potential requesters as well. Incertain embodiments of the present invention, Table-2 may be appended toinclude an indication of how effective a referral source is ingenerating quality leads, such as by considering a number of times animage has been requested, and hence the number of times the indicatedchat link has been presented for use to potential requesters, as well asthe number of chat requests that were actually received. Such an imagemay take the form of one or more pixels, for example.

The first version simply places an image at the current location andjustifies any text to line up with the bottom of the image. The secondversion allows you to specify where you would like the text to beplaced. The alignment option can be either “top” or “middle”. Byspecifying a URL for the image, an executable program can be specified.

Referring still to FIG. 5, if a comparison at block 54 indicates therequested content is not associated with a registrant, or is otherwisenot valid, a message may be served at block 55. In certain embodimentsof the present invention, such as message may indicate no validregistrant is then associated with the requested link, or that a chat isnot possible at this time. If such a comparison indicates the requestedlink is associated with a registrant, and is otherwise valid, processingmay continue at block 57.

At block 57, the associated registrant's chat preferences may bedetermined. In certain embodiments of the present invention, processingat block 57 may include recovering one or more pieces of informationentered or stored using process 20 (FIG. 1B). For example, processing atblock 57 may include recovering SMS and/or e-mail preference informationentered at blocks 23, 25 (FIG. 1B). Such information may indicatewhether the associated registrant wishes to receive an SMS messageindicating a link associated with him has been activated. Suchinformation may indicate whether the associated registrant wishes toreceive an e-mail message indicating a link associated with him/her hasbeen activated.

At block 58, the preference(s) determined at block 57 may be enforced,such as by selectively sending either an SMS and/or an e-mail messageindicative of the activated link dependently upon the determining atblock 57. At block 59, preference enforcement at block 58 may be logged,such as in a database, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 60 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In certain embodiments of the present invention, process 60is well suited for use as at least part of process 58 (FIG. 5). Process60 begins with determining whether a chat service with the associatedregistrant, or his designee or proxy for example, is available, at block61. Processing at block 61 may include determining whether a “don't chatright now” or “no chat” preference has been selected by or on behalf ofthe associated registrant. Processing at block 61 may include examiningone or more recovered preferences-related information entered usingprocess 20 (FIG. 1B) (e.g., at block 29), for example. If processing atblock 61 indicates a no chat preference has been selected, a no chatavailable message may be sent at block 62. The message sent at block 62may be sent to a requester computing device that detected linkactivation at block 51 (FIG. 5), for example. At block 63, the messagesent at block 62 may be received by such a requester computing device.At block 64, there received message may be presented to a requester,such as via a display, for example.

Alternatively, if processing at block 61 indicates a chat may beinitiated preference has been selected (e.g., no no-chat preference hasbeen selected), processing may continue with process 70 (FIG. 6B), forexample.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 70 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In certain embodiments of the present invention, process 70is well suited for use as at least part of process 58 (FIG. 5). Process70 begins with determining whether the associated registrant'spreference is to request additional information at block 71. Processingat block 71 may include determining whether a “request more requesterinformation” preference has been selected by or on behalf of theassociated registrant. Processing at block 71 may include examining oneor more recovered preferences-related information entered using process20 (FIG. 1B) (e.g., at block 29), for example. If processing at block 71indicates no more information should be requested, processing mayproceed to process 80 (FIG. 6C). If processing at block 71 indicatesmore information should be requested, an information request message maybe sent at block 72.

The message sent at block 72 may be to a requester's computing devicethat detected link activation at block 51. The message sent at block 72may be received by such a computing device at block 73. The messagereceived at block 73 may be presented to a requester at block 74, suchas via display, for example. The requester may then enter the requestedinformation and send it back to the originator of the block 72 requestat block 75. Such a message is received at block 76. Processing thenreturns either to process 60 or block 71, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 6C, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 80 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In certain embodiments of the present invention, process 80is well suited for use as at least part of process 58 (FIG. 5). Process80 begins with determining whether the associated registrant wishes toenter into the requested chat with a requester. Processing at block 81may include determining whether a “no chat now” or “away from computer”preference has been selected by or on behalf of the associatedregistrant. Should processing at block 81 indicate that no chat shouldcommence, processing may return to block 62 (FIG. 6A).

Should processing at block 81 indicate a chat should commence, chatinitiation messages may be sent at blocks 83, 84. The message sent atblock 83 may be received at the associated registrant's computing deviceat block 85. The message sent at block 84 may be received at therequester's computing device at block 86. At block 87, the requester maybe advised that a chat is being prepared and/or set up.

The message sent at block 83 may notify the associated registrant (asdetermined at block 54) that a chat is being requested and be inaccordance with that registrant's preferences. For example, theregistrant may have entered that they prefer SMS notifications at block23 (FIG. 1B). In such an event, an SMS message may be sent with a chatlink using the entered SMS preference information. Similarly, theregistrant may have entered that they prefer e-mail notifications atblock 25 (FIG. 1B). In such an event, an e-mail message may be sent witha chat link using the entered e-mail preference information.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a chat link message mayinclude a link, such as a URL that points to a website or invokes a webservice. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a chat linkmessage may include a substantially unique chat or session indicator,such as a Globally Unique Identifier (GUID). By way of non-limitingexample, there may be a substantial number of GUIDs available, such ason the order of 2¹²⁸, for use by the system. In certain embodiments ofthe present invention, vanity-type identifiers may be used.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a chat link message mayinclude a conventional-type URL indicative of a chat application,service or administration website. Such a URL may be appended with aunique identifier, as discussed above. Upon activation of the chat linkmessage URL, a registrant may be logged into a secure website associatedwith the chat application. Such a secure website may include features,elements and/or pieces of content that are automatically updated fromtime-to-time by the system. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, such features, elements and/or pieces of content may beindicative of whether a registrant is waiting for a chat session tocommence.

In certain embodiments of the present invention there may be more thanone type of chat link that may be sent at block 83 and received at block85. For example, there may be different types of chat servicescorresponding to different computing capabilities or properties ofregistrants' computing devices. For example, there may be a first typeof chat link indicative of and corresponding to a chat service that istailored for computing devices having substantial display capabilities,such as computing devices having substantial display size or resolution,and resources like personal computers. Mother type of chat link that maybe sent and received may be indicative of and correspond to a chatservice that is tailored for computing devices having less displaycapabilities, such as computing devices having relatively limiteddisplay resources like smart phones. The capabilities may reflectdisplay capabilities, and the amount of display real-estate available,for example.

By way of non-limiting, further explanation only, in certain embodimentsof the present invention, one or more of the chat links may correspondto a chat application that is so-thin in design, that other computingcapabilities needed, such as memory, processing, display space and/orbrowser application capabilities, for example, are minimized.

By way of non-limiting, further explanation only, in certain embodimentsof the present invention, one or more of the chat links may correspondto a chat application that is still thin, but more computing resourceintensive. Such an application may be well-suited for use withsophisticated, web-enabled devices, such as the Apple I-Phone and/orpersonal computers, for example. Such an application may provide forvisual geographic indicators that are associated with chat requests.Such indications may be provided by a reverse-IP or DNS lookup of thechat requester, for example. Such an application may be provided withadvertisement portions, for example. Such an application may monitor forchat requests, such as by proactively checking a database for entriesindicative of pending chat requests. Such an application may, in certainembodiments, include a downloaded component, such as code, that may ormay not be automatically launched at computing device or operatingsystem start-up, for example. Such a component may automatically launcha browser window responsively to a new chat request being indentified,for example.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the type of messagesent at block 83 may be associated with the type(s) of link(s) sent atblock 83. For example, an e-mail notification sent at block 83 mayinclude one or both types of chat links, as it may typically be accessedusing a variety of types of computing devices having various computingcapabilities and resources, such as display size. In contrast, an SMSnotification sent at block 83 may include only the reduced computingdependent types of chat links, as it may typically be accessed usingcomputing devices having relatively limited display sizes.

Such an approach may advantageously provide for robust chat applicationprovision that is operable in a greater variety of scenarios thanconventional chat applications.

By way of further, non-limiting explanation, certain embodiments of thepresent invention may be particularly well-suited for use by/withamateur seller registrants or registrants having relatively limitedcomputing and/or financial resources. Such registrants may not beable/willing to provide an amount of monitoring for chat services as mayconventionally be required. For example, a listing agent for real estateor an e-commerce classifieds seller cannot/will not typicallycontinuously monitor their office or home office personal computer forchat requests—resulting in missed sales opportunities, relative to acompetitor that staffs or otherwise retains a conventional call center,for example. This may result is substantial commercial disadvantage.

Further, while such a registrant may be able to monitor electroniccommunications, such as e-mails, using a plurality of computing devices,such as personal computers and Internet enabled cell phones and PDAs,these devices have substantially different processing capabilities.Accordingly, if a conventional chat application is enhanced, so as totake advantage of the substantial resources available on a modern-daypersonal computer, the application may prove to be unwieldy, poorfunctioning or even incompatible with cellular phones or PDAs. On theother hand, if a conventional chat application is adapted to the lowestcommon denominator of capabilities, an enhanced experience that takesadvantage of the substantial resources available on a modern-daypersonal computer is not available for a registrant. Accordingly,conventional chat applications may not be well suited for use by/withamateur seller registrants or registrants having relatively limitedcomputing and/or financial resources.

In contrast, embodiments of the present invention provide for aselectively enhanced, chat-anywhere-type functionality, such that: (1)registrants do not need to continuously monitor for chat requests, andchat requests may be “pushed” to them or automatically “pulled” forthem; and (2) chat application instantiations are adapted based upon thecapabilities (or expected capabilities) of the registrant's computingdevice. For example, a relatively less-computing resource intensive,mobile-device-type adapted chat application may be provided for use withmobile devices. And, an enhanced, relatively more-computing resourceintensive, personal computer-type device adapted chat application may beprovided for use with such devices.

Differences between the chat application instantiations may include thefrequency and type of additional content. A PC-type chat instantiationmay include animated or video content, and additional resourceinformation, such as graphic or other information. This otherinformation may be associated with the chat instantiation or subject,for example. By way of further example, a Google® mapping correspondingto the IP address of the chat requester may be provided, for example.Such information may help a registrant determine whether or not toaccept a communicated chat request, by letting him/her know the relativeproximity of the requester to a location of interest, such as thelocation of an item or service for sale, for example. Additionalinformation about other chats may also be provided, such as other chatsby that client or other chats about the subject, for example. A mobiledevice-type chat instantiation may omit such additional information,effectively saving the limited display real-estate for the chat itself,for example.

In certain embodiments of the present invention such a selectivelyenhanced, chat-anywhere-type functionality may be provided using aplurality of links (e.g., as part of the message sent at block 83 inFIG. 6C). Each of the links may correspond to a different type of chatinstantiation. The type of chat application instantiated may be basedupon which link a registrant activates. For example, one link may beidentified as a mobile device-type link, while another is identified asa PC device-type link. The mobile device-type one of the links maycorrespond to, and cause to be launched upon activation there of, amobile device-type chat application instantiation. Similarly, thePC-type one of the links may correspond to, and cause to be launchedupon activation there of, a PC-type chat application instantiation.Thus, enhanced chat services may be provided, while providing for mobiledevice adapted chat services.

Depending upon registrant preferences (e.g., whether e-mail or SMS chatnotification is to be used), one or more of the links may be sent. Forexample, if SMS messaging is used, only the mobile device-type link maybe sent. If e-mail messaging is to be used, one or more of the links maybe provided. If the registrant has indicated that he doesn't wish to usemobile chat support, than only the PC-type link may be provided, forexample.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, which type of chatapplication instantiation is launched may be automatically determined,such as based upon a type of computing device or computing deviceapplication which originated a response to a chat initiation message(e.g., the message sent at block 83 of FIG. 6). For example, a type ofbrowser used to accept a chat request (e.g., by activating a providedlink) may be automatically determined in a conventional manner, such asby serving an electronic document that can be used to gather informationregarding the browser or computing device in a conventional manner. Ifthe gathered information is indicative of a mobile-type device, a mobiledevice-type chat instantiation may be used. If the gathered informationis indicative of a PC-type device, a PC device-type chat instantiationmay be used.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, processing at block 81may further include determining whether the registrant corresponding tothe chat request being processed is logged on to a chat application,such as by being logged onto a chat associated server in a conventionalmanner. If the registrant is logged on, processing may continue atblocks 83 and 84, for example.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, if a chat has notcommenced within a given amount of time after blocks 83, 84, an updatedmessage to the chat requester may be provided at blocks 86, 87. Such amessage may present the requester with an opportunity to cancel the chatrequest or continue waiting. If the requester opts to cancel therequest, or otherwise falls to respond thereto, processing may cease. Ifthe requester opts to continue waiting, a timer may be restarted forfurther analogous processing for example. Referring still to FIG. 6C,processing at blocks 86 and 87 may include periodically requesting anasynchronous or AJAX type update for an electronic documentresponsively, such as a responsively to a JAVA script-type timerapplication.

Referring still to FIG. 6C, processing at blocks 86 and 87 may includeperiodically requesting an asynchronous or AJAX type update for anelectronic document responsively, such as a responsively to a JAVAscript-type timer application.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 90 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Process 90 begins with a registrant user deciding whether ornot to accept a chat request at block 91. Processing at block 91 mayinclude updating features, elements and/or pieces of content on thelogged in, secure website indicating a registrant is waiting for a chat,along with one or more links that allow the registrant to accept ordecline that chat. The secure website may correspond to the type of chatlink sent at block 83, such that multiple website configurations may beused depending on the type of chat link received at block 85 and whichwas activated.

If processing at block 91, e.g., a registrant's interaction with the oneor more links that allow the registrant to accept or decline that chat,indicates the registrant user does not wish to engage in the requestedchat, processing may proceed to block 62 (FIG. 6A). If processing atblock 91 indicates the registrant does wish to engage in the requestedchat, a chat application 94 is commenced at blocks 92, 93. The chatoccurrence is logged at block 95, such as in a database.

Chat application 94 commencement at block 92 may include automaticallyupdating the logged into, and secure website viewed by a registrant (ora portion thereof) to include content indicative of chat exchanges(e.g., text and/or other content exchanged with the requester). Chatapplication 94 commencement at block 93 may include directing, orredirecting, the requester's computing device to an electronic document(e.g., web page) that includes a content portion indicative of chatexchanges (e.g., text exchanged with the chat accepting registrant).

Referring still to FIG. 6C, processing at blocks 92 and 94 may includeperiodically requesting an asynchronous or AJAX type update for anelectronic document responsively, such as a responsively to a JAVAscript-type timer application.

Referring now to FIG. 8A, there is shown an electronic document 100 andchat application instantiation 102 for a requester's computing deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. Chat applicationinstantiation 102 may correspond to chat application 94 (FIG. 7). In theillustrated embodiment, instantiation 102 is in the form of a separatewindow from electronic document 100. In certain embodiments of thepresent invention, document 100 may take the form of any of documents 40(FIGS. 4A and 4C), for example. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, document 100 may take the form of a framed document 40 (FIGS.4A and 4C), for example. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, received messages, such as those served at blocks 36, 55, 62,72 and/or 84, and/or received at blocks 63, 73 or 86, for example, maybe presented via a requester's computing device in another frame orwindow from an electronic document, such as document 40 or 100.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the instantiation 102window may be substantially identical in size, shape and/or content toelectronic document 100 rather than substantially only a correspondingportion of the overall content presented therein. After a user isfinished interacting with the instantiation 102 window, the display maybe returned to electronic document 100. Such a configuration mayadvantageously have the chat appear more integrated to a requester thanconventional chat applications, which may lead to greater acceptance anduse thereof by potential requesters. In certain embodiments of thepresent invention the instantiation 102 window may take the form of theelectronic document 100 window being framed and including the chatinstantiation.

Referring now to FIG. 8B, there is shown an electronic document 100 andchat application instantiation 102 for a requester's computing deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. Chat applicationinstantiation 102 may correspond to chat application 94 (FIG. 7). In theillustrated embodiment, instantiation 102 is in the form of a separatewindow from electronic document 100, which window is superimposedsubstantially only with the link associated content of document 100.

Referring now to FIG. 8C, there is shown a non-limiting example of asuperimposition of chat application instantiation 102, content element41 and a link 42 consistent with FIG. 8B. The embodiment of FIG. 8Cillustrates a chat application instantiation 102 window, link 42 andcontent element 41 having analogous shapes and sizes as one another,although other configurations may be used. In the illustratedembodiment, instantiation 102 is in the form of a separate window fromelectronic document 100, which window is superimposed with and at leastsubstantially the same size and shape as the link associated content ofdocument 100. Such a configuration may advantageously allow the chatwindow to be better associated with the document 100 to a requester,possibly leading to greater acceptance and usage of chat applications bysuch users.

Referring now to FIG. 8D, there is shown an electronic document 100 andchat application instantiation 102 for a requester's computing deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. Chat applicationinstantiation 102 may correspond to chat application 94 (FIG. 7). In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 8D, chat application instantiation 102 isin a same window as document 40, forming a portion thereof. In certainembodiments of the present invention, a portion of the link associatedcontent may be replaced with the chat application presentation uponinstantiation of a chat. By way of further non-limiting example, incertain embodiments of the present invention an embedded floating framemay be used in conjunction with Active Server Page Framework (ASPX)functionality to enable the chat application to be updated independentlyfrom at least one other portion and/or the remainder of document 100. Incertain embodiments of the present invention, asynchronous postbacks maybe used to enable the chat application to be updated independently fromat least one other portion and/or the remainder of document 100. Incertain embodiments of the present invention, an AJAX approach that usesasynchronous JavaScript and XML may be used to enable the chatapplication to be updated independently from at least one other portionand/or the remainder of document 100. Again, instantiation 102 issubstantially only superimposed with link 42 associated content 41.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 200 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In certain embodiments of the present invention,process 200 is well suited for use as at least part of chat application94 commenced at blocks 92, 93 (FIG. 7).

At block 210, a first of the registrant/requester's computing deviceusers enters text for the chat application using an electronic documentor website. At block 220, a user activated “send” text link or object,such as a button, activation is detected. At block 230 a server or webservice corresponding to the chat application 94 (FIG. 7) is calledresponsively to the detection at block 220. The server or web servicemay call one or more chat application 94 related procedures, forexample. The server or web service procedures may receive the textentered at block 210 at block 240, responsively to it being sent atblock 230. The server or web service procedures may store the textreceived at block 240 in a database, such as a Structured Query Language(SQL)-type database corresponding to the chat application 94 (FIG. 7).Additional information associated with the text stored at block 250,such as an associated chat session identifier, originating user,destination user and/or delivery status (e.g., delivered or undelivered)indicator may also be stored, such as in the SQL database.

Such a processing may allow for a stateless chat instantiation thatincludes a queue of unresolved communications, such as chat requests andchat messages. Such communications may be pushed, or pulled usingasynchronous requests to resolve the communications.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, there is shown a block diagrammaticrepresentation of a process 300 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In certain embodiments of the present invention,process 300 is well suited for use as at least part of chat application94 commenced at blocks 92, 93 (FIG. 7).

Process 300 begins with a timer being initialized at block 310, such asby the chat application 94 (FIG. 7). When the timer is determined tohave expired at block 320, a web service or other process may be calledto check for undelivered chat information, such as that informationstored in a SQL database, e.g., the database discussed with reference toFIG. 9. Again, the called service or process may correspond to the chatapplication 94 (FIG. 7). Also again, the service or process may call oneor more chat application 94 related procedures, for example. The requestsent at block 330 is received by or on behalf of the SQL database atblock 340. The received request is processed by or on behalf of the SQLdatabase, and undelivered messages for the requesting user are retrievedat block 350. At block 360, the retrieved text is sent to the requestinguser (e.g., the user sending the request at block 330).

Referring now to FIG. 10B, the content sent at block 360 is received atblock 370 (e.g., the requester or registrant sending the request atblock 330). The received text is formatted for display by the electronicdocument (e.g., webpage or window) or website at block 380 and displayedat block 390. Processing then returns to block 310, such that the timeris again initialized.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, messaging exchange maynot be peer-to-peer in nature. Rather, messages sent may be posted to adatabase, from which it is delivered to the intended recipient. Thedatabase stored messages may be pushed to or pulled by the recipient'scomputing device. Such a database may also advantageously serve as arepository for chat transcripts, for example.

Processing can continue in such a manner to provide bi-directional chatservices between registrants and requesters.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, such a database may beused to additionally provide for such a chat session to be effectedusing bidirectional SMS messaging, for example. For example, analogouscode may be used to provide chat messages to and pull chat messages fromsuch a database, and translate them between an HTML compatible formatsuitable for use with the above-described methodology and text suitablefor use with SMS messaging. Such code may receive chat messages from SMSdevice chat users via SMS messaging and store them in the database, andretrieve messages for SMS device chat users and deliver them via SMSmessaging.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a configuration of a system1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In certainembodiments of the present invention, system 1000 is well-suited forperforming the functionality described herein.

System 1000 generally includes a first class of computing devices 1010,a second class of computing devices 1020 and a third class of computingdevices 1030. In certain embodiments of the present invention, thegroups need not be mutually exclusive. For example, one or more certaincomputing devices may be members of more that one of classes 1010, 1020and/or 1030. Generally, each of the computing devices of classes 1010,1020 and 1030 are communicatively interconnected with one another via atleast one network, such as the Internet and wireline and wirelesscommunications networks. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 11, thecomputing devices of class 1010 are interconnected with the computingdevices of class 1020 and the computing devices of class 1030 vianetwork connections 1040. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, one or more of the computing device interconnections, such asconnections 1040 by way of non-limiting example, may take the form ofInternet or other data network connections.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, class 1010 computingdevices may generally take the form of end-user computing devices, suchas personal computers, terminals, personal digital assistants and/orcellular or telephones or smart phones, for example. In certainembodiments of the present invention, class 1010 computing devices maycorrespond to customer computing devices, such as those discussed inabove, for example.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, class 1020 computingdevices may generally take the form of servers, for example. In certainembodiments of the present invention, class 1020 computing devices maycorrespond to network or system servers, such as those discussed above,for example.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, class 1030 computingdevices may generally take the form of end-user computing devices, suchas personal computers, terminals, personal digital assistants and/orcellular telephones or smart phones, for example. In certain embodimentsof the present invention, class 1030 computing devices may correspond toclient computing devices, such as those discussed above, for example.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications andvariations may be made in the apparatus and process of the presentinvention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.It is intended that the present invention cover the modification andvariations of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer program product being tangiblyembodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includingcomputer-executable code for enhancing an electronic document includingat least one link and being served via a network responsively to arequest received via the network and correspondent to the electronicdocument, the computer program product computer-executable codecomprising: code for receiving a chat request via the networkcorresponding to activation of the at least one link included in theelectronic document; code for automatically identifying an identifierresponsively to the received chat request; code for automaticallyidentifying at least one preference associated with the identifiedidentifier; code for automatically sending an SMS message including amobile chat link indicative of the received chat request in a firstmode, wherein the first mode corresponds to the at least one identifiedpreference indicating an SMS messaging preference; code forautomatically sending an e-mail message including a personal computerchat link indicative of the received chat request in a second mode,wherein the second mode corresponds to the at least one identifiedpreference indicating an e-mail messaging preference; code forautomatically sending both SMS and e-mail messages, the SMS messageincluding the mobile chat link and the e-mail message including thepersonal computer chat link, each of the mobile chat and personalcomputer chat links being indicative of the received chat request, in athird mode, wherein the third mode corresponds to the at least oneidentified preference indicating both SMS and e-mail messagingpreferences; code for selectively automatically causing a mobile mode ofa chat application corresponding to the received chat request to beinstantiated responsively to receiving a request via the networkcorrespondent to activation of the mobile mode link; and code forselectively automatically causing a personal computer mode of the chatapplication corresponding to the received chat request to beinstantiated responsively to receiving a request via the networkcorrespondent to activation of the personal computer mode link; whereinthe mobile mode instantiation of the chat application is adapted for usewith a mobile device and is less computing resource intensive than thepersonal computer mode instantiation of the chat application, which isadapted for use with a personal computer.
 2. The computer programproduct of claim 1, wherein the electronic document further includes aplurality of content portions, and the link corresponds to at least oneof the content portions.
 3. The computer program product of claim 2,further comprising code for Identifying an Identifier associated withthe at least one of the content portions of the electronic documentresponsively to the correspondent request for or serving of theelectronic document.
 4. The computer program product of claim 3, furthercomprising code for serving the identified identifier contemporaneouslywith the electronic document, wherein the served identifier forms atfeast a part of the at least one link.
 5. The computer program productof claim 4, wherein the instantiated chat application is displayed withthe electronic document such that the chat application visuallycorresponds with the at least one content portion of the servedelectronic document.
 6. The computer program product of claim 1, furthercomprising code for causing the served electronic document to be framedresponsively to receiving the request correspondent to activation of themobile chat mode or personal computer mode link.
 7. The computer programproduct of claim 1, wherein the electronic document is displayed in afirst window, and the chat application is Instantiated in a secondwindow.
 8. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein theelectronic document is displayed in a same window in which the chatapplication Is instantiated.
 9. The computer program product of claim 4,further comprising code for selectively updating the chat applicationirrespective of the electronic document.
 10. The computer programproduct of claim 1, wherein the chat request comprises a uniformresource locator having the identifier appended thereto.
 11. A methodfor enhancing an electronic document including at least one link andbeing served via a network responsively to a request received via thenetwork and correspondent to the electronic document, the methodcomprising: by a processor of a computing device, receiving a chatrequest via the network corresponding to activation of the at least onelink included in the electronic document; automatically identifying anidentifier responsively to the received chat request; automaticallyidentifying at least one preference associated with the identifiedidentifier; automatically sending an SMS message including a mobile chatlink indicative of the received chat request in a first mode, whereinthe first mode corresponds to the at least one identified preferenceindicating an SMS messaging preference; automatically sending an e-mailmessage including a personal computer chat link indicative of thereceived chat request in a second mode, wherein the second modecorresponds to the at least one identified preference indicating ane-mail messaging preference; automatically sending both SMS and e-mailmessages, the SMS message including the mobile chat link and the e-mailmessage including the personal computer chat link, each of the mobilechat and personal computer chat links being indicative of the receivedchat request, in a third mode, wherein the third mode corresponds to theat least one identified preference indicating both SMS and e-mailmessaging preferences; selectively automatically causing a mobile modeof a chat application corresponding to the received chat request to beinstantiated responsively to receiving a request via the networkcorrespondent to activation of the mobile mode link; and selectivelyautomatically causing a personal computer mode of the chat applicationcorresponding to the received chat request to be instantiatedresponsively to receiving a request via the network correspondent toactivation of the personal computer mode link; wherein the mobile modeinstantiation of the chat application is adapted for use with a mobiledevice and is less computing resource intensive than the personalcomputer mode instantiation of the chat application, which is adaptedfor use with a personal computer.
 12. The computer program product ofclaim 11, wherein the electronic document further includes a pluralityof content portions, and the link corresponds to at least one of thecontent portions.
 13. The computer program product of claim 12, furthercomprising code for Identifying an Identifier associated with the atleast one of the content portions of the electronic documentresponsively to the correspondent request for or serving of theelectronic document.
 14. The computer program product of claim 13,further comprising code for serving the identified identifiercontemporaneously with the electronic document, wherein the servedidentifier forms at feast a part of the at least one link.
 15. Thecomputer program product of claim 14, wherein the instantiated chatapplication is displayed with the electronic document such that the chatapplication visually corresponds with the at least one content portionof the served electronic document.
 16. The computer program product ofclaim 11, further comprising code for causing the served electronicdocument to be framed responsively to receiving the requestcorrespondent to activation of the mobile chat mode or personal computermode link.
 17. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein theelectronic document is displayed in a first window, and the chatapplication is Instantiated in a second window.
 18. The computer programproduct of claim 11, wherein the electronic document is displayed in asame window in which the chat application Is instantiated and the chatrequest comprises a uniform resource locator having the identifierappended thereto.
 19. The computer program product of claim 14, furthercomprising code for selectively updating the chat applicationirrespective of the electronic document.
 20. A computing systemcomprising at least one computing device, the computing systemcomprising: one or more hardware processors; and memory comprisinginstructions executable by the one or more processors to cause thecomputing device to: receive a chat request via the networkcorresponding to activation of the at least one link included in theelectronic document; automatically identify an identifier responsivelyto the received chat request; automatically identify at least onepreference associated with the identified identifier; automatically sendan SMS message including a mobile chat link indicative of the receivedchat request in a first mode, wherein the first mode corresponds to theat least one identified preference indicating an SMS messagingpreference; automatically send an e-mail message including a personalcomputer chat link indicative of the received chat request in a secondmode, wherein the second mode corresponds to the at least one identifiedpreference indicating an e-mail messaging preference; automatically sendboth SMS and e-mail messages, the SMS message including the mobile chatlink and the e-mail message including the personal computer chat link,each of the mobile chat and personal computer chat links beingindicative of the received chat request, in a third mode, wherein thethird mode corresponds to the at least one identified preferenceindicating both SMS and e-mail messaging preferences; selectivelyautomatically cause a mobile mode of a chat application corresponding tothe received chat request to be instantiated responsively to receiving arequest via the network correspondent to activation of the mobile modelink; and selectively automatically cause a personal computer mode ofthe chat application corresponding to the received chat request to beinstantiated responsively to receiving a request via the networkcorrespondent to activation of the personal computer mode link; whereinthe mobile mode instantiation of the chat application is adapted for usewith a mobile device and is less computing resource intensive than thepersonal computer mode instantiation of the chat application, which isadapted for use with a personal computer.